Effects of Reduced Continuous versus Intermittent Feeding of Steelhead

Six growth-related variables were measured or calculated to evaluate two feeding methods for reducing the growth of the steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The two feeding methods were reduced continuous daily feeding and intermittent feeding. After eight 14-d growth periods, there were no significant treatment-related differences in size variation and size distribution within populations of fish in either treatment. Rates of growth among all groups – continuously fed and intermittently fed – were comparable, as were feed conversions. There were no apparent adverse effects, such as fin erosion, attributable to either treatment.